Back rest for use in a bathtub



May 14, 1940. A. M. HAAS BACK BEST FOR USE IN A BATHTUB Filed March 28, 1938 Patented May 14, 1940 PATENT OFFICE BACK BEST FOR USE IN A BA'IHTUB Anna M. Haas, Chicago, 111.

Application March 28,

' 4 Claims.

This invention is a back rest particularly adapted for use in the conventional bathtub and its particular use is for use in bathing children or invalids in the large conventional bathtub.

The invention seeks, among other objects, to provide a device of the class aforementioned which may, in addition, function as a neck rest whereby the users hair or head may be washed a back rest which also has a pair of side arms which may be grasped by the person reclining.

Another highly important object of the device is the provision of a neck rest in conjunction with the back rest portion which is susceptible of a wide range of adjustments and which may be used for persons or children of various heights.

Another highly important object of the invention is to provide a device of the aforementioned class which may be folded into a relatively compact shape for storage.

Other and further objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed specification which follows:

On the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the complete device as it appears when ready for use.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the substantially U- shaped collar portion which serves as a necksupporting piece at the uppermost portion of the device.

Fi 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and particularly illustrating how the neck portion is susceptible of easy and wide adjustment.

As shown on the drawing:

Numeral l indicates a back rest portion of the device which, in preferred form, is formed of a single sheet of metal. In preferred form the back portion may be cut out substantially as shown on the drawing, and it has been found that the cut out portions may be utilized in manufacture of some of the other parts of the device.

As shown on the drawing, in preferred form, the parallel lateral side edges of the back portion l are flared rearwardly forming a pair of flanges la which serve as a mounting for the angularly 1938, Serial No. 198,403

extending brace 2 and for the arms 3, the said brace 2 and arms'3 being hingedly riveted to the flanges l a, substantially as shown.

The flanges la also carry a pair of outwardly extending lugs lb, only one of which is shown 5 on the drawing, which serve as a locking means in conjunction with the auxiliary bracing or looking members 4 whereby the angularity of the braces 2 may be rigidly determined when the device is in use.

A cross bar 5 is provided in the same plane with the back portion I, but substantially below the lowermost portion thereof to serve as a mounting for a towel or the like mat which may be placed thereon and extend in the plane of the tub proper, to provide a means preventing the person reclining against the back from sliding on the relatively smooth surface of the tub.

Each locking member I is at its rear end hingedly riveted to the brace 2, substantially as shown, and when the device is in position for use the side locking members I extend from substantially the bottommost portion of the braces 2 forwardly to contact the flanges I a, and cut out portion 4a of locking members 4 are adapted to fit behind the heads of the outwardly extending lugs lb. If desired, a plurality or series of cut out portions similar to that shown and noted as 4a on the drawing may be provided in members 4 to provide an easy means of adjusting the angularity of the braces 2 with respect to the back portion I.

As further shown on the drawing, in preferred form, the arms 3 are formed in the shape of an are or an irregular curve and are provided at their bottommost portion with the rearwardly extending flanges 3a. As further indicated on the drawing the said arms 3 are each twisted substantially at its upper end portion as indicated at 3b so that the ends 30 of these arms 3 lie flat against the flange portions la. 40

The inturned bottom portions of the braces 2 and of the side flanges la are each preferably provided with a rubber suction cup 8 which, when moistened and when forced against the relatively smooth surface of the tub will serve to relatively securely position the entire structure in the tub.

Secured to the rear surface of the back portion I is a substantially U-shaped bracket member I into which is threaded the thumb screw in. The rod 8 fits in the U-shaped bracket 1 and is adapted, when the thumb screw la is loosened, to be slid upwardly or downwardly in the said bracket 1 so as to vary the height of a neck encircling head rest 9. p

As is indicated on the drawing, the neck encircling head rest 9 is substantially U-shaped in plan view and is slightly upwardly curved as at 9a to conform substantially to the conventional shape of the head. v

In preferred form, the U-shaped neck rest portion 9 has a downwardly extending portion 9b which has an aperture provided therein to receive the endof the rod 8.

When the locking members 4 are raised upwardly so that notches or apertures la are out of normal locking position behind the lugs lb the said locking members I, being hingedly riveted to braces 2 may be. turned to lie parallel with the said braces 2 and the braces 2, being hingedly riveted to flanges la, may, with the members 4, be turned so as to lie parallel with the said flanges la. The arms 3 being likewise hingedly riveted to flanges la may be turned rearwardly so that the device when folded occupies a relatively small space.

To utilize the device once it is folded, all one need do is to reverse the operations aforementioned and the device will assume the shape substantially as shown in Fig. 1 and when placed in a tub, the suction cups 6 being moistened by the action of the water, the device will assume a relatively rigid position in the tub.

Experience has shown that the above described construction is relatively simple to make, and

has a wide range of utility for use in bathing invalids and children, the side arms particularly giving .a child a sense of security which it does not otherwise have if no side arms are provided.

Various changes may bemade in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention or any features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitations upon the invention, its conportion, said back supporting portion having opposed, downwardly extending spaced members forming supports therefor; a neck encircling forming supports therefor, a neck encircling head supporting member adjustably carried by 'said back portion, and means associated with said supports below said back supporting portion adapted to receive a slippage preventing mat covering a portion of the surface of the tub at the bottom thereof.

3. In a body support for use in a bathtub or the like, the combination of a back supporting portion, said back supporting portion having opposed, downwardly extending spaced members forming supports therefor, means associated with said supports below said back supporting por-' tion adapted to receive a slippage preventing mat covering a portion of the surface of the tub at the bottom thereof, and arms extending forwardly from a point adjacent the upstanding lateral margins of said back supporting portion and terminating forwardly in supporting portions for engaging the supporting surface of the tub.

4. In a body support for use in a bathtub or the like, the combination of a back supporting portion, said back supporting portion having opposed, downwardly extending spaced members forming supports therefor, and means associated with said supports below said back supporting portion adapted to receive a slippage preventing mat covering a portion of the surface of the tub at the bottom thereof.

' ANNA M. HMS, 

